What Happens When a Wrongful Death Claim Involves Multiple Defendants?
Knowing exactly what happens when a wrongful death claim involves multiple defendants is a complex legal subject that many people may need help understanding. Like many states, Louisiana uses a comparative fault system. Under this legal structure, the court decides each party’s degree of fault, and those individuals are held liable for their portion of the damages.
Learn more about wrongful death claims involving multiple defendants and which factors may affect your case in this article from the skilled attorneys at Tomeny | Best.
Suing Multiple Defendants
Wrongful death cases that involve multiple defendants are more common than you may believe. When more than one party potentially contributed to the fatal incident through recklessness or negligence, each person or entity is named separately in a lawsuit. For example, if your loved one passed away in a car accident, multiple drivers could be at fault. You may also have a case against the driver, the manufacturer of the vehicle, and/or the county agency responsible for maintaining the public roadways.
Benefits of Filing Multiple Claims
There are some benefits to filing multiple claims after a wrongful death case occurs. Naming more than one defendant provides you with a better chance of recovering a fair settlement that covers your extensive losses following a fatal incident. One party may have a liability insurance policy that is significantly better than Louisiana’s legally required minimums. The more financial resources the person or entity has, the better their potential to pay special and general damages, such as funeral costs and loss of companionship.
The Importance of Legal Counsel With Multiple Defendants
Wrongful death lawsuits that involve multiple defendants are generally complex because of the need to identify each party, gather independent evidence, and determine their share of liability. You typically have a time limit to file a wrongful death claim per Louisiana’s statute of limitations, so you need an experienced legal professional to handle this process on your behalf.
Call a Skilled Attorney for Help With Filing Multiple Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Surviving a loss is hard, but the compassionate and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Tomeny | Best are here to help. Contact us today for legal advice if you have been wondering what happens when a wrongful death claim involves multiple defendants. We could assess your case and negotiate with the insurance company’s adjustor to secure a fair and comprehensive settlement. While compensation could never replace your loved one, it could help you move on with some measure of financial comfort.
